Air-Fryer Flounder: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook flounder in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook the fish, with most recipes taking under 20 minutes. You can cook frozen or fresh flounder in an air fryer, and it can be breaded or unbreaded.

How to cook flounder in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 4 4-6 oz flounder fillets, skinless
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley for serving (optional)

Method:

• Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a piece of aluminum foil cut and molded to fit the inside of the air fryer.
• Season the fish with salt and pepper, then place the fish and foil into the air fryer basket.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
• Drizzle the mixture over the fish, then sprinkle with paprika and Italian seasoning.
• Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, until fully cooked and opaque.
• Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with Parmesan and parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• Thoroughly pat the flounder fillets dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture and achieve a crispy exterior.
• Give your air fryer enough time to preheat to ensure the flounder cooks evenly and gets a golden-brown color.
• Leave space between the flounder fillets in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even and consistent cooking.
• Flip the flounder halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides and add a delightful texture and appearance.
• If cooking flounder from frozen, add a few minutes to the cooking time and check that the fillets are cooked through before serving.
• If you want to play around with the flavor, feel free to use a blackened or lemon pepper seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.

What temperature to cook flounder in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook flounder in an air fryer! The air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare flounder, as it requires little to no oil and results in a crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender and moist on the inside.

Temperature and Cooking Time:

Now, let's get into the details of the temperature and cooking time for cooking flounder in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). It should preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
• The cooking time for flounder in the air fryer will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the flounder at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 12 minutes.
• For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• It is recommended to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• To check if the flounder is done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the fillet.
• If you are cooking frozen flounder, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. There is no need to defrost the fish, but you can thaw it beforehand if desired. Simply increase the cooking time to 10 to 15 minutes for frozen fillets.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes a crispier texture.
• Brush the fillets with a light coating of avocado oil or cooking oil spray. This aids in achieving the desired texture and helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the fillets in batches if necessary to ensure proper circulation of hot air.
• Leave space between the fillets in the basket to allow for even cooking and browning.
• For added flavour and moisture, top each fillet with a small piece of unsalted butter before air frying.

Seasoning Ideas:

The beauty of cooking flounder in an air fryer is that you can customize the seasonings to your preference:

• For a classic option, season the fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• For added flavour, include other seasonings such as paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour profile.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried flounder!

How to serve air-fried flounder

Air-fried flounder is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Main Course

• With a Side of Vegetables: Air-fried flounder pairs well with roasted asparagus or a fresh, vibrant salad.
• On a Bed of Rice or Quinoa: Serving the fish with seasoned rice or quinoa makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
• With Wine: If you're serving an adult audience, a nice glass of white wine can complement the dish.
• As Fish Tacos: Flake the cooked flounder and serve it in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for a delicious twist.
• In a Sandwich: Place the cooked flounder in a roll with melted cheese, lettuce, and a sauce of your choice, such as light mayo or honey mustard.

As a Side

With Other Seafood: Air-fried flounder can be part of a seafood platter, served with other air-fried seafood like soft-shell crabs, fish sandwiches, or fish tacos.

As a Starter

With Dipping Sauces: Serve the flounder with sauces like tartar sauce, hot sauce, or remoulade on the side for dipping.

Variations

• Herb-Crusted: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill with your breadcrumbs for a pop of freshness.
• Spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning blend for a kick.
• Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt some butter, mix in lemon juice and garlic, then drizzle it over the cooked flounder for added decadence.

What to serve with air-fried flounder

Air-fried flounder is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried flounder:

Vegetables and Salad

A side of roasted asparagus or a fresh, vibrant salad can complement the flounder without overwhelming its delicate flavour. Steamed broccoli or asparagus can also be a great choice for a light, low-carb dinner option.

Rice and Quinoa

Pairing the flounder with seasoned rice or quinoa can create a satisfying and hearty meal. White rice, in particular, can be a great option to accompany the fish.

Tacos

For a fun and tasty twist, you can flake the cooked flounder and serve it in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado, creating delicious fish tacos.

Potatoes and Sweet Potato Mash

For a more indulgent side, roasted potatoes or a sweet potato mash can be a great choice.

Seafood Platter

If you're feeling extra seafood-centric, you can serve the air-fried flounder as part of a seafood platter, perhaps with some soft-shell crabs, crispy fish sandwiches, or fish tacos.

Wine

For a special touch, a glass of white wine can pair nicely with air-fried flounder, especially if the fish is stuffed with crab meat.

Other Sides

Other side dish options include roasted or grilled vegetables, rice, or potatoes.

So, there you have it! A variety of options to choose from to create a delightful meal centred around air-fried flounder.

How to prevent flounder from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can cook flounder in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to prevent it from sticking:

Firstly, it is important to pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy exterior.

Secondly, while it is tempting to use a non-stick cooking spray, this can damage the surface of your air fryer over time. Instead, use a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the paper is air fryer-safe, and has holes for the warm air to pass through. This will allow the air to circulate and cook the fish evenly.

Additionally, you can also coat the fish with a cooking spray or a bit of neutral-flavoured oil. This will help to ensure the fish doesn't stick, and will also prevent any dry rubs or seasonings from being blown off by the hot air.

Finally, make sure you don't overcrowd the basket. Blocking the vents in the grid will result in undercooked, soggy fish. You can cut holes in your parchment paper, use a small sheet cut to the size of your fillets, or purchase a premade parchment liner.

Frequently asked questions